The MReport Webcast: Thursday 4/2/2015

Energy-efficient homes are increasingly becoming the most sought-after feature for homebuyers, according to the National Association of Home Builders. A survey of homebuyers showed that efficiency is one of the most wanted features and now builders are responding to the demand, with more new homes in April being built as energy-efficient. NAHB Chairman Tom Woods said today’s new homes can reach a higher level of energy performance and durability compared to homes built 20 years ago.

The survey also showed which features home builders are most likely to include in new homes built this year. Low energy windows, Energy Star-rated appliances and windows, and programmable thermostats were the top four of the 10 features they cited. Some homebuyers are looking for even more sustainable features, prompting an increasing number of single-family and multifamily builders to deliver green homes. Green builders incorporate energy, water, and resource efficiency; improved indoor environmental quality and sustainable and locally sourced products into their projects.

In an effort to help prospective buyers become homeowners, Bank of America has launched a new web tool to guide consumers to down payment and closing cost assistance programs available in their region. This new tool, the Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center, was developed by Workforce Resource and is powered by Down Payment Resource. Customers can search a database of more than 1 thousand 3 hundred down payment and closing cost assistance programs when they visit the Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center.